Brazil Records Historic Drop in Amazon Deforestation

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest experienced its lowest annual deforestation since satellite records began in 1988, according to figures from the country’s space research agency, Inpe. The agency reported that 3,335 square kilometres of forest were cleared in the 12 months through July—about 42 percent less than in the preceding year. The measurement period runs from August to July, when cloud cover is lower. The previous record low was 4,571 square kilometres in 2011–12, while losses peaked at nearly 30,000 square kilometres annually in the mid-1990s. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called the decline “an absolutely stratospheric drop” and “like a dream.” Marcio Astrini of climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima described it as a historic achievement, arguing that political will can curb both deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his goal is to end illegal deforestation by 2030. The improvement comes amid a presidential run-off campaign. Lula, who took office in 2023 promising to end illegal deforestation, is facing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in an October 25 run-off. Deforestation rose to a 15-year high under Jair Bolsonaro, averaging about 11,600 square kilometres annually during his 2019–2022 term—almost 60 percent above the previous four-year period. Losses have declined each year since 2022 and are down 71.2 percent over four years. The article attributes the reduction to increased monitoring and stronger penalties for illegal logging. Flavio Bolsonaro’s manifesto promises stronger environmental oversight, with enforcement focused on organised crime rather than extractive workers and small farmers, and a goal of ending illegal deforestation by 2029. He has also praised his father’s opposition to what he calls a “radical environmental agenda.” Separately, deforestation in the Cerrado savanna fell about 24 percent to 5,517 square kilometres, its lowest level since records began in 2001.

Brazil’s government says deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado has fallen to record lows ahead of a closely contested presidential run-off on 25 October. The election pits left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The rainforest’s future is a major campaign issue, and Flavio is expected to continue his father’s policies if elected, although he has promised to combat organised crime in the Amazon. Satellite data for the year to July 2026 shows Amazon deforestation fell by 41.8%, the largest decline since records began in 1988. Deforestation in the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna region, fell by 23.8%. The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, about 60% of which lies in Brazil, and plays an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide and slowing climate change. Under Jair Bolsonaro’s 2019–2022 presidency, forest loss rose as he promoted mining in Indigenous lands and resources for forest protection were reduced. The Amazon lost nearly 60% more forest than in the preceding four years, according to official data cited by AFP. Lula reversed those policies, strengthened environmental monitoring and penalties for illegal logging, and oversaw a six-year low in deforestation in his first year in office. He has pledged to eliminate illegal deforestation by 2030. Brazil’s Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco called the decline in Amazon deforestation “absolutely stratospheric.” Marcio Astrini of climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima described it as an historic achievement, saying it demonstrated that political will can curb deforestation and greenhouse-gas emissions. The article also notes that tropical forests face continuing pressure from agricultural land clearance, logging and climate change, which scientists warn can increase wildfire risk.

Brazil recorded 3,335 square kilometers (1,288 square miles) of deforestation in the Amazon between August 2025 and July 2026, according to figures released by the Brazilian space research agency Inpe. That is nearly 42% less than the 5,731 square kilometers recorded in the previous year, and the lowest level since monitoring began in 1988. The Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest and one of its most biodiverse ecosystems, lies mostly in Brazil and also extends into Peru, Colombia and other South American countries. Deforestation and illegal resource exploitation have raised concerns that the forest is nearing a climate tipping point. Brazilian officials and environmental advocates welcomed the decline. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called it an “absolutely stratospheric drop” and said it was “like a dream.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated his goal of eliminating illegal deforestation by 2030. Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima, described the figures as a “historic achievement,” arguing that they place Brazil at the forefront of forest protection and demonstrate that political will can help stop logging and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Observatorio do Clima attributed the decline to the government's sustained environmental commitment, including increased monitoring and stiffer penalties for illegal logging. The announcement came ahead of Brazil's October 25 runoff election, in which Lula faced conservative senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Polls at the time showed the two candidates running neck and neck. The article presents the reduction as a major conservation milestone while noting the continuing importance of curbing illegal deforestation and protecting the Amazon.